U.S. patent application number 15/664890 was filed with the patent office on 2017-11-16 for high temperature fluid sample aging cell.
This patent application is currently assigned to OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Richard F. Lukay, John D. Norwood. Invention is credited to Richard F. Lukay, John D. Norwood.
Application Number | 20170328829 15/664890 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 53754622 |
Filed Date | 2017-11-16 |
United States Patent
Application |
20170328829 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Lukay; Richard F. ; et
al. |
November 16, 2017 |
High Temperature Fluid Sample Aging Cell
Abstract
Exemplary embodiments of a high temperature aging cell provide a
metal-to-metal fluid seal, and generally include a central tension
post containing a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal
ring concentrically arranged thereon, its outer circumference
positioned at least partly intermediate the flange and the cell
interior surface. In various embodiments, a thrust ring retains the
seal ring; a thrust washer engages the thrust ring; a tension ring
is attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust ring toward
the flange; and an outer cap retains various components in relation
to the aging cell. A pressure control device allows for pressure
elevation. Exemplary embodiments of a sample aging method generally
include aging a liquid sample by sealing the sample in the cell via
biasing of the seal ring into sealing engagement with an interior
surface of the cell. Subsequent sample treatment may involve
elevating its temperature and/or pressure.
Inventors: |
Lukay; Richard F.; (Houston,
TX) ; Norwood; John D.; (Houston, TX) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Lukay; Richard F.
Norwood; John D. |
Houston
Houston |
TX
TX |
US
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.
Houston
TX
|
Family ID: |
53754622 |
Appl. No.: |
15/664890 |
Filed: |
July 31, 2017 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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14613195 |
Feb 3, 2015 |
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15664890 |
|
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61936718 |
Feb 6, 2014 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01L 2200/0689 20130101;
F16J 15/028 20130101; G01N 17/002 20130101; B01L 3/567 20130101;
G01N 19/00 20130101; G01N 33/2823 20130101; F16J 15/0887
20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01N 19/00 20060101
G01N019/00; G01N 17/00 20060101 G01N017/00; F16J 15/08 20060101
F16J015/08; F16J 15/02 20060101 F16J015/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus comprising: a test cell comprising: a cell body
comprising a hollow, substantially cylindrical vessel having a
transverse opening at an end thereof; and a sealing assembly at
least partially insertable into said cell body via said opening,
said sealing assembly comprising: a central tension post comprising
a flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring disposed
concentrically around a portion of said tension post; wherein: said
sealing assembly biases said seal ring against said inclined
surface, whereby at least a portion of said seal ring extends
outwardly beyond an outer edge of said flange and engages an
interior surface of said cell body in fluidly sealing said cell
body.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seal ring comprises: a
substantially planar upper surface; a substantially planar outer
surface; and a substantially planar inner surface; wherein: said
seal ring upper surface is oriented substantially parallel to a
lower surface of said flange; said seal ring outer surface is
oriented substantially perpendicular to said seal ring upper
surface; and said seal ring inner surface is beveled
3. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein liquid sample is introducible
into said test cell only through said cell body opening.
4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein, in fluidly sealing said cell
body, said seal ring contacts only one flange.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said seal ring comprises
metal.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said apparatus comprises only
metallic components.
7. An apparatus comprising: a test cell comprising: a cell body
comprising a hollow, substantially cylindrical vessel having a
transverse opening at an end thereof; a sealing assembly at least
partially insertable into said cell body via said opening, said
sealing assembly comprising: a central tension post comprising a
flange having an inclined surface; and a seal ring disposed
concentrically around a portion of said tension post; a thrust
ring; and a tension ring; and a cap; wherein: said tension ring
biases said thrust ring against said seal ring; said seal ring is
disposed intermediate said thrust ring and said flange; said
sealing assembly biases said seal ring against said inclined
surface, whereby at least a portion of said seal ring extends
outwardly beyond an outer edge of said flange and engages an
interior surface of said cell body in fluidly sealing said cell
body; and said cap engages said cell body and retains said sealing
assembly in relation to said cell body.
8. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a pressure control
device.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said pressure control device
comprise a valve stem.
10. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a bias adjustment device
that biases said seal ring against said flange inclined
surface.
11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein said bias adjustment device
comprises one or more set screws.
12. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein said tension ring is
removably connectable to said tension post.
13. The apparatus of claim 7, comprising a thrust washer disposed
intermediate said tension ring and said thrust ring.
14. A method of aging a sample in a test cell, comprising:
providing a cell body containing said sample, said sample
comprising one or more liquids, wherein said cell body comprises a
hollow, substantially cylindrical vessel having a transverse
opening at an end thereof; inserting at least partially into said
cell body a sealing assembly, wherein said sealing assembly
comprises: a central tension post comprising a flange having an
inclined surface; and a seal ring disposed concentrically around a
portion of said tension post; manipulating said sealing assembly
such that said seal ring is biased against said inclined surface,
whereby at least a portion of said seal ring extends outwardly
beyond an outer edge of said flange and engages an interior surface
of said cell body to fluidly seal said cell body; and exposing said
sample to a condition selected from the group consisting of:
elevated pressure; elevated temperature; both elevated pressure and
elevated temperature.
15. The method of claim 14, wherein said sealing assembly comprises
a thrust ring disposed such that said seal ring is disposed
intermediate said thrust ring and said flange.
16. The method of claim 15, wherein said sealing assembly comprises
a tension ring that biases said thrust ring against said seal
ring.
17. The method of claim 16, wherein said sealing assembly comprises
a thrust washer disposed intermediate said tension ring and said
thrust ring.
18. The method of claim 14, comprising attaching a cap to said cell
body, wherein said cap engages said cell body and retains said
sealing assembly in relation to said cell body.
19. The method of claim 14, comprising fluidly connecting a
pressure control device, directly or indirectly, to said test
cell.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein said pressure control device
comprise a valve stem.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation of prior U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 14/613,195, filed Feb. 3, 2015, which claims
the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/936,718, filed
Feb. 6, 2014, which applications are both incorporated herein by
reference as if reproduced in full below.
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
[0002] Not applicable.
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0003] This invention relates generally to testing equipment used
to measure properties of materials and chemical systems, and more
specifically to an apparatus and method to subject materials to
temperatures in excess of 100.degree. C. while maintaining the
materials in a liquid state.
BACKGROUND
[0004] In the oil and gas industry, it is necessary to understand
the properties of materials used during drilling and exploration,
and to determine how properties are affected by temperature,
pressure, and time. Various aging cells are used to determine
properties of materials during static temperature exposure or
during a dynamic mode, such as in a roller oven. Typical aging
cells are constructed of corrosion resistant metal and capable of
achieving test temperatures of 600.degree. F. (316.degree. C.).
Such aging cells typically involve the use of gaskets, o-rings, or
other sealing means which are subject to degradation when exposed
to elevated temperatures and/or pressures.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0005] Embodiments of a high temperature aging cell generally
provide a metal-to-metal fluid seal for retaining fluids within the
cell; wherein, a central tension post is constructed with a flange
having an inclined surface; a seal ring is concentrically arranged
on the tension post, the seal ring having a seal extension at its
outer circumference, the seal extension extending at least
partially exterior of the inclined flange outer edge, and the seal
extension positioned at least partly intermediate the inclined
flange and an aging cell body interior surface; a thrust ring
retaining the seal ring; a thrust washer engaging the thrust ring;
a tension ring attached to the tension post for biasing the thrust
ring toward the tension post flange; and an outer cap retaining the
tension ring, thrust washer, thrust ring, and seal ring in relation
to the aging cell body.
[0006] An embodiment of a method of the present invention comprises
inserting a tension post, having a flange with an inclined surface,
in an end of an aging cell, inserting a seal ring on the tension
post flange, inserting a thrust ring on the seal ring, fixedly
attaching a tension ring on the tension post, with the seal thrust
ring and the seal ring intermediate the flange and the tension
ring, and biasing the tension ring toward the flange until the seal
ring sealingly engages the aging cell interior surface.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0007] For a more complete understanding of the exemplary
embodiments, reference is now made to the following Detailed
Description of Exemplary Embodiments of the Invention, taken in
conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0008] FIG. 1 depicts an exploded view of an aging cell of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0009] FIG. 2 depicts a cross-sectional view of an aging cell of an
embodiment of the present invention.
[0010] FIG. 3 depicts a stem valve.
[0011] FIG. 4 depicts an assembled aging cell of an embodiment of
the present invention.
[0012] FIG. 5 depicts an embodiment of a method of the present
invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0013] The exemplary embodiments are best understood by referring
to the drawings, like numerals being used for like and
corresponding parts of the various drawings. The directions lower
and upper as used in this specification are used for descriptive
purposes only and it will be understood by one having skill in the
art that different orientations are possible.
[0014] As used herein inner or inward means toward the axial center
A-A of the aging cell and outer or outward means away from axial
center A-A, unless the context indicates a contrary meaning.
[0015] Referring to FIGS. 1 through 5, various details of an
embodiment of the aging cell 10 of the present invention are
depicted. In one embodiment, aging cell 10 comprises a cell body
12, a sealing assembly 14, a pressure control device, such as stem
valve 16, and a cap 18. In other embodiments, the sealing assembly
may comprise the cap as an integral component thereof. In certain
embodiments where, for example, when external pressurization of the
aging cell is not desired, the pressure control device may be
omitted or replaced with a pressure relief device.
[0016] Still referring to FIG. 1, aging cell body 12 comprises an
elongated hollow cylinder defined by a substantially annular body
wall 40 and a closed lower end 22. Sealing assembly 14 fits within
an open upper end 44 of cell body 12. Cap 18 is removably
attachable to upper end 44 of cell body 12. In an exemplary
embodiment, attachment of cap 18 to cell body 12 is achieved by
cooperative engagement between cell body 12 exterior threading 46
and cap 18 interior threading 48.
[0017] In one embodiment, sealing assembly 14 comprises tension
post 24, seal ring 26, thrust ring 30, thrust washer 32, and
tension ring 34. Tension post 24 is a cylinder having an
outwardly-extending flange 28 at its lower end. External threading
102 is provided at the upper end of tension post 24 for threading
engagement of corresponding internal threading 96 of tension ring
34. An opening and threading (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided
interior of tension post 24, such opening and threading configured
to receive a pressure control device, such as stem valve 16. A base
opening 41 of tension post 24 allows controlled pressurization and
pressure release of the interior of aging cell 10 during
operation.
[0018] Referring to FIG. 2, a detail of tension post flange 28 is
depicted in relation to seal ring 26 and thrush washer 32. Tension
post flange 28 has a beveled upper surface 31 extending
circumferentially around flange 28. Surface 31 is inclined at an
acute angle in relation to cell wall 40 and is inclined at an acute
angle in relation to flange lower surface 42. Particularly, beveled
surface 31 extends from an outermost edge 50 of lower surface 42,
upwardly and inwardly, towards flange upper surface location 52
proximate tension post 24.
[0019] Seal ring 26 is a circular ring constructed with a
substantially horizontal upper surface 54, a substantially vertical
outer surface 56, and an inclined inner surface 58. Inner surface
58, from lower edge 62 of outer surface 56 to inner edge 64 of
upper surface 54 is inclined at an acute angle to outer surface 56
and at an acute angle to upper surface 54. Inclined inner surface
58 is sized and constructed for sliding engagement with beveled
edge 31.
[0020] Outer surface 56 is constructed and sized to slide within
inner surface 68 of cell wall 40. Outer surface 56 is further sized
and constructed to have a larger circumference than outermost edge
50 of lower surface 42 of flange 28. Seal ring 26 is sized and
constructed such that upper surface 54 of seal ring 26 is elevated
in relation to upper surface location 52 of flange 28.
[0021] Still referring to FIG. 2, thrust ring 30 is a substantially
circular ring having an axial center opening 86. Thrust ring 30 is
sized and constructed to have a substantially vertical outer edge
70 that extends proximate outer surface 72 of wall 40. The
circumference of outer surface 72 is less than inner surface 74 of
cap 18 to allow cap 18 wall 76 to extend outside outer surface 72.
Thrust ring 30 has a lower surface 80 extending horizontally inward
from outer surface 72. Lower surface 80 is sized and constructed to
rest on wall 40 upper end 44. A horizontal lower surface extension
82 of lower surface 80 extends below lower surface 80. Lower
surface extension 82 extends below and parallel to lower surface
80. Lower surface extension 82 extends horizontally from cell wall
inner surface 68 to center opening 86. Lower surface extension 82
is sized and constructed to extend below upper end 44 of cell wall
40 and is further sized and constructed to engage upper surface 54
of seal ring 26.
[0022] Upper surface 88 of thrust ring 30 extends horizontally. A
countersunk washer surface 90 is provided in upper surface 88.
Washer surface 90 is sized and constructed to receive a thrust
washer 32. Thrust washer 32 is a washer structure having a central
opening 92.
[0023] Tension ring 34 is a substantially hollow cylinder having a
central opening 94. Threading 96 is provide on interior wall 98 of
tension ring 34 proximate central opening 94 for threading
engagement of corresponding tension post threading 102 provided on
exterior surface 104 of tension post 24. Accordingly, tension ring
34 may be removably attached to tension post 24 by threaded
attachment.
[0024] One or more bias adjustment devices are provided for biasing
various components of sealing assembly 14 against each other. In
one embodiment, a plurality of set screws 106 extend vertically
through tension ring 34. Set screws 106 are sized and constructed
to engage thrust washer 32. Tension ring 34, thrust washer 32,
thrust ring 30, and seal ring 26 are all concentrically arranged
along axis A-A. Downward biasing of set screws 106 results in
corresponding bias of thrust washer 32 against thrust ring 30 and
in corresponding bias of thrust ring 30 against seal ring 26. Such
bias forces seal ring 26 downward in relation to flange 28 and
forces lower edge 62 outward toward inner surface 68 of cell wall
40. Accordingly, seal system 14 may be operated to bias thrust ring
30 downward toward flange 28, and thereby force seal ring 26 into a
sealed position wherein lower edge 62 and at least a portion of
outer surface 56 of seal ring 26 sealingly engage inner surface 68
of cylinder wall 40. The biasing of lower edge 62 and a portion of
outer surface 56 against inner surface 68 constitutes a seal
extension of seal ring 26.
[0025] In various embodiments of the present invention, components
of seal system 14, cap 18, and/or cell body 12 may comprise any
suitable material, including but not limited to, various metals
and/or metal alloys. In an exemplary embodiment of the present
invention, cell 12, tension post 24, flange 28, thrust ring 30, and
seal ring 26 are constructed of corrosion resistant metal, such as
but not limited to, stainless steel. Accordingly, an aging cell
having metal interior components is provided.
[0026] A pressure control device is utilized to provide a
determined pressure to the interior of aging cell 10. In one
embodiment, a valve stem 16 is employed as the pressure control
device. Valve stem 16 may be a commercially-available valve having
lower connecting threading 116 for threaded connection to central
opening threading 118 of tension post 24. In other embodiments,
valve stem 16 is attachable to cap 18. Valve stem 16 is provided
with an upper connector 120 at its upper end for connection to a
pressure source (not shown). Valve stem 16 is constructed to
provide selective fluid communication into and out of cell 12
through tension post base opening 41. In an exemplary embodiment,
valve stem 16 is a commercially available stem valve such as a stem
valve manufactured and marketed by OFI Testing Equipment, Inc.,
Houston, Tex., as Part No. 175-16.
[0027] In one embodiment, aging cell 10 is adapted to be operated
at temperatures up to about 600.degree. F. (316.degree. C.) and
pressures up to about 2,000 PSI (13.8 MPa). Elevating the
temperature of aging cell 10, and a test sample contained therein,
may be accomplished by various means as are known in the art. In
one embodiment, heating of aging cell 10 containing a test sample
is accomplished in an oven, such as a roller oven.
Operation
[0028] In operation, a test sample (not shown) is placed in test
cell (cell body) 12. In one embodiment, the sample comprises one or
more liquids. In one embodiment, the components of sealing assembly
14 are provided in the appropriate orientation and connectively
restrained together by cooperative engagement of tension post 24
exterior threading 102, and tension ring 34 internal threading 38.
Valve stem 16 is inserted into tension post 24 and connected
thereto by cooperative engagement of valve stem 16 external
threading 116 and tension post 24 internal threading 118. Sealing
assembly 14, along with connected valve stem 16, is inserted into
the open upper end 44 of test cell 12 until thrust ring 30 engages
upper end 44. Outer cap 18 is attached to cell 12 by cooperative
engagement of cap 18 internal threading 48 and cell body 12
exterior threading 46. Set screws 106 are tightened to a determined
torque to bias thrust ring 30 lower surface extension 82 against
seal ring 26, thereby biasing seal ring 26, at lower edge 62, into
a sealed position in relation to cell wall 40 inner surface 68.
Such biasing is accomplished at the interface of flange 28 beveled
surface 31 with seal ring 26 inclined inner surface 58, as inner
surface 58 moves downward in relation to beveled surface 31.
[0029] In operation and upon pressurization of a fluid within test
cell 12, the fluid pressure additionally biases flange 28 upward,
thereby creating additional force to bias seal ring 26 outward in a
sealed position in relation to cell wall 40 inner surface 68.
[0030] Referring to FIG. 5, an exemplary test method 200 of the
present invention comprises:
[0031] A sample insertion step 202 comprising inserting a sample to
be tested in a test cell, such as test cell 12.
[0032] A sealing assembly placement step 204 comprising inserting a
sealing assembly, such as sealing assembly 14, comprising tension
post 24, seal ring 26, thrust ring 30, thrust washer 32, and
tension ring 34, and valve stem 16, in a test cell such as test
cell 12.
[0033] A cap placement step 206 comprising attaching a cap, such as
cap 18, to the test cell such that cap 18 at least partially
retains the sealing assembly within the test cell.
[0034] A tensioning step 208 comprising applying torque to tension
a bias adjustment device, such as set screws 106, to bias a thrust
ring, such as thrust ring 30, toward a flange, such as flange 28,
and correspondingly bias at least a portion of a seal ring, such as
seal ring 26, to a sealing position in relation to the inner test
cell wall.
[0035] A pressurizing step 210 comprising introducing controlled
pressure to the test cell.
[0036] A dwell step 212 comprising maintaining the test cell at a
controlled temperature and pressure during a determined time
interval.
[0037] A data collection step 214 comprising obtaining test sample
data.
[0038] In operation and upon pressurization of a fluid within test
cell 12, the fluid pressure additionally biases flange 28 upward,
thereby creating additional force to bias seal ring 26 outward in a
sealed position in relation to cell wall 40 inner surface 68.
[0039] Various embodiments will be understood from the foregoing
description, and it will be apparent that, although embodiments
have been described in detail, various changes, substitutions, and
alterations may be made in the manner, procedure and/or details
thereof without departing from the spirit and scope or sacrificing
any of its material advantages, the forms hereinbefore described
being merely exemplary embodiments thereof.
* * * * *